I always love the start of a new year! There's something so exciting about looking back and remembering the past year and then looking ahead in wonder of what God has planned for my life in this new year! It's so reassuring to look ahead to the future and know that there is a God who knows all about me, loves me and only has the best planned for me. He knows it all! His plans don't always match what "I" think should happen but in the end it's ultimately for His glory and my good. So, I have to embrace it joyfully.

As I enter a new year I am so grateful that "I KNOW whom I have believed and am convinced that HE is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day." (2 Timothy 1:12) I am so thankful that God allows us to KNOW Him through a personal relationship with Jesus! God isn't merely "something to believe in" but He is real and truly KNOWING Him changes everything about our lives! How well do you KNOW the One Whom you believe? I pray that you don't live another day without coming to KNOW Jesus in a deeper way!

Even though I "know Him", there is so much left unknown for me to discover! That's an exciting way to start a new year. May you have an awesome year of getting to "KNOW Him Whom you believe"! Blessings!

posted by Cheri Showalter on 01/01/2009

it just "looks different"! (Click this icon to Subscribe)

I read a great quote this morning that encouraged my heart!

"To believe actively that our Heavenly Father constantly spreads around us providential circumstances that work for our present good and our everlasting well-being brings the soul veritable benediction. Most of us go through life praying a little, planning a little, jockeying for position, hoping but never being quite certain of anything, and always secretly afraid that we will miss the way. This is a tragic waste of truth and never gives rest to the heart. There is a better way. It is to repudiate our own wisdom and take instead the infinite wisdom of God. Our insistence upon seeing ahead is natural enough, but it is a real hindrance to our spiritual progress. God has charged Himself with full responsibility for our eternal happiness and stands ready to take over the management of our lives the moment we turn in faith to Him." A.W. Tozer

Be encouraged! Have actively believing faith. "Walk by faith not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7) believing that God is "working everything out for your good and His glory"! (Romans 8:28) Even if you can't "see" things happening in your life or if what you see "looks different" than you thought it would look, keep believing in God! God has been challenging me lately with letting go of how I think things "should look" in my life. It's OK for things to LOOK DIFFERENT than I thought they would look or how I had planned! (I'm a "control freak" and it's kinda hard for people like me to give up control and plans. Ha.) God's ways and plans are SO much better than mine ever could be. I can't fully embrace what He has for me until I give up control, give up my plans and ideas of how things should look, and believe actively that He's taking care of me in every way. He's my manager!